The Last Castle (DVD)

Sometimes, I find that the films I end up watching by chance are far better than the ones I spend my time mulling over in the local rental shop. 'The Last Castle' is without doubt one of those films. Last week after flicking through all of the SKY and terrestrial channels at least twice, we agreed to stick with this film which was showing on SKY movies, as we saw it had a decent cast, so it was worth chancing our luck. I had heard a few people at ...
...I had no idea what the film was about, or even who it starred, and I don't know why but the title had always put me off in the past. There's logic for you....and this time I can't even blame the wife! Ageing heartthrob Robert Redford takes the lead role as Lieutenant General Eugene Irwin. As the film starts we know very little about the character other than he was highly respected by some men, and hated by others who were jealous of the loyalty ...

nicanddarrell 25.08.2003 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Last Castle (DVD)

Reviews of The Last Castle generally fall into two very consistent categories. The Americans seem to think the movie is a masterpiece – the rest of the world seems rather less convinced. My motivation for renting this film was largely due to a lack of choice, rather than a keen interest, as I’m not a massive fan of prison movies. There are good things and bad things about this film – it easily passed a couple of otherwise dull hours, ...
...I were you. The Last Castle is a prison film with a slight twist. The castle in question is in fact a US military prison, which behind its impressive stonework harbours a rather dark secret. Lieutenant General Eugene Irwin is sentenced to imprisonment, for failing to obey a direct order. Initially welcomed and almost revered by the prisoner governor – Colonel Winter – Irwin quickly finds himself at odds with the prison regime. Fellow ...

LostWitness 31.08.2002 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Last Castle (DVD)

The prison movie, something that fits like an old glove. It's the kind of film you may find showing on TV come Sunday afternoon. It's warm, it's comfortable and not too taxing. You can find yourself suitably entertained but far from overwhelmed. If you fall asleep then it's no big deal, chances are you'll know the ending anyway. Of course there are a few exceptions to the rule with The Shawshank Redemption being the obvious choice. The Last Castle ...
...are criminals but not in the broadest sense. This could have been something to really play about with and create some morality questions within the characters. Sadly the film piles on cliche after cliche and only a few saving graces pull it into three star terriotory. Robert Redford plays Lieutenant General Eugene Irwin, a highly honoured man who is sent to prison after disobeying a direct order which cost the lives of several men. His arrival interests ...

utero 15.05.2002 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Last Castle (DVD)

The Last Castle, is set in a millitary prison for soldiers who've been naughty. Castles are built to keep people out but this castle is to keep people in. Robert Redford is disgraced Army General Eugene Irwin who is sent to the 'Castle' to do his time for disobeying a presidential order. The prison warden, Colonel Winter (James Gandofini) is at first in awe of such a legend but as Redford stats questioning his methods on how the prison is ran; ie; ...
...more rebellious. From the second Redford sets foot in the prison yard up until the last half hour, Redford and Gandolfini take part in a deadly battle of wits and strategy. When the prisoners finally have enough of how the prison is ran, they plan to sieze control of it and get the warden's resignation. Irwin takes command one more time to expose the corruption and brutallity of the prison, rallying together an army of inmates to overthrow the castle. ...

DarkMark 26.02.2003 (17.03.2004) · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of The Last Castle (DVD)

...watchable film, with all of the ingredients for a diverting, if not thought provoking night in. The plot is a bit silly all told, Robert Redford is a highly decorated soldier who is sent to military prison for an aberration of judgement. Everyone has heard of him, and is in awe of him, including the Head Warden (Gandolfini of 'Soprano's' fame). Everyone decides that the warden is a bit of a nasty fellow, and Redford leads an uprising. It is full ...
...by rather excellent performances from the main protagonists, and an understanding from the viewer that they have to suspend reality and not pick at the plot holes. I am not normally fond of these type of films with the americanised feelgood ending and hurrahs, but I have to admit, I have watched it more than once, and enjoyed it. ...

BFAl 29.12.2003 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of The Last Castle (DVD)